Weather News

A Korean man who tried to cross a fast-flowing creek on the Darling Downs has spent 15 hours on the roof of a truck before being rescued by emergency services.

Authorities say the 47-year-old man tried to cross the flooded Leichhardt Highway just south of Condamine, about 330 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, when his removalist truck stalled late on Wednesday night.

SES Area Controller Ian Phipps said motorists found the distressed driver on the roof of the vehicle on Thursday morning and called police.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene, followed by flood and swiftwater rescuers.

However, they were unable to reach the man, who was about 300 metres from Undulla Creek, meaning a rescue helicopter was needed to winch him to safety.

Paramedics said the man was uninjured, but was suffering from dehydration.

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said he was "extremely lucky" to be alive.

"This is an example of why if it is flooded, motorists should absolutely forget it," she said.

"When a motorist enters floodwaters he or she is putting not only their life at risk, but the lives of emergency service personnel."